By Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York

03/13/2023 Retinal vein occlusion is second only to diabetic retinopathy as a cause of vision loss due to disease affecting the blood circulation of the retina. There are two types: branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
A BRVO is essentially a blockage of one of the small blood vessels that drains blood from the retina. Arteries carry blood to the retina. Red blood cells and plasma fluid then travel through ever smaller blood vessels called capillaries and ultimately into the venous system starting with small veins feeding into larger veins and finally reaching the central retinal vein. When there is a blockage in any vein, there is back-up pressure within the capillaries leading to bleeding, swelling, and fluid leakage into the retina. The degree of damage and visual symptoms depend on the size of the blocked vein and its exact location.
Both males and females can develop BRVO. Most commonly BRVO develops after the age of 50, although young patients can also experience this disease.
BRVO is the leading cause of retinal vascular occlusive disease. High rates of occurrence are seen among patients in their 60’s and 70’s.
Risk factors for BRVO include atherosclerotic risk factors or manifestations, such as:

• coronary artery disease
• stroke
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• smoking

Glaucoma is also a risk factor. Less common conditions that can cause BRVO include:

1. blood clotting abnormalities
2. inflammatory and infectious illnesses, such as sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and tuberculosis

These are more common in younger patients who do not have the previously mentioned risk factors. It is important to find a possible underlying cause, since the treatment of an infectious or inflammatory condition will be different from vein occlusions caused by atherosclerosis.
Read more: https://www.vrmny.com/conditions/retinal-vein-occlusion/
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Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York
110 Lafayette St, Suite 502
New York, NY 10013
(212) 234-3367
(212) 861-9797
Fax: (212) 628-0698
https://vrmny.com
https://www.vrmny.com/locations/downtown-manhattan